123abc

Two more things to add on Roller Blinds -- Experience has taught me ..... 1. to roll up or down the blinds, you have to close the window first. My place is VERY windy, even the chandelier can swing. So, in the beginning, I did not know that I have to close the window first. Then, my roller blind started to "slate" when rolled up. Immediately, I call the supplier and they fixed it FOC and taught me this "trade secret." 2. to prevent the blind from hitting the window during a windy spell and "pom pom", lower the blind more than you need to, so it sits "not so tightly". That way, its weight on the end will prevent it from slamming against on the window frame. Sharing with all of you good people out there .......

Friends, You can try using this to create a 3D models to explain to your contractors what your design looks like. http://sketchup.google.com/ My hubby loves this software too and he said that I am real good at it. Now, if someone like me who is not so good at 3D stuff can use it, I am sure many of you will be able to catch on faster than me. I just used it to help my in-laws to design a 3D model so that they can explain to their contractors how to build them. No need to pay good $$$ for lousy designers. Go straight to the builders and explain your designs directly, using this free software ~ Enjoy Downloading! PS: Latest issue of Style Living : Vol 3 Issue 03 has a great section on "Kitchen Planning". For those who can cook, I strongly recommend you to invest in a good "sucker" aka hood. I use http://www.rinnai.com.sg/index.cfm?GPID=11 Do not just go for brand name. Miele washing machine may costs 5x more than Bandt but who can guarantee that Miele will definitely wash better than Brandt? Rather focus your money to buy stuff that will serve you longer, gives you least maintenance headache and best saves your electricity bills in the long run. Also, do not just buy from big malls --- (read big malls equals big rental), go ask around HDB shops, you will be surprised that they can be as much as 20% cheaper than Harvey or Best Denki. But for bigger items like Fridge, TV, you may want to buy from Best so that you can also buy their extended warranty package. Your choice.... For those who do not cook so often, do not ignore the "kitchen" too. You can have an "open concept" kitchen that joins with the dinning area -- that will make your place look bigger and classier. You can still prepare simple finger food for friends while entertaining them around your beautiful kitchen. I recommend you to look at Ikea kitchens. They have some real good stuff going on these days and the best thing is -- they can do the layout planning for you too, on a PC..... wow! And you know exactly what you are paying for, because their pricing list is so open. Last but not least, many of you PM me to ask for the name of the contractor from **** that I have used. My sincerest apologies .... but I really dont wish to dwell on them any more. They sucks big time, but I am equally stupid to have chosen them so ....... please forgive me for not wanting to PM you back.

Part 6 – Feedback on Contractor used. Dear all, you have been so kind with your words. I wanted to disappear quietly. But so many of you pm me in private, asking why I have stopped writing. Your concern and comfort puts me to shame. I felt that I owe all of you an explanation, so here I am. The truth is ---> I have no face to face all of you. For all the extreme research I thought I have done, thinking I may have hit jackpot when I found this contractor, it all went to waste as this contractor that I have used is the same as anyone out there. On paper, when I first met with them, they were really good. They can immediately translate what I have in mind into drawing before my eyes. I was so impressed then. But, when it comes to the actual carpentry execution ....... Excuses started to pour in. Every piece of my design that was do-able before we signed them on, now it becomes – “wow, why so complicated?” They empty promised, they took wrong measurements, they changed their pricing in the midst of the contract etc etc. To make matters worse, in the later stage, work was carried out only once a week for 3 hours. It took them 4 months to complete my renovation. As a result of their ineffectiveness, we had to compromise a lot of our original design works. It was most painful experience. So, do forgive me that I can't recommend them to anyone of you. So, I felt that I have let you down. What more can I share? But some of you made me realized that I can still share my bad experience so that you will not follow in my unfortunate footsteps. So, here are the 7 insights I have gained. 1. Keep your distance from your supplier. When I saw that the contractor was able to put my design in mind into paper, I was so elated with her. I even begin to treat her as a friend. When we went around sourcing for lights, we would also go out for makan sessions. I really genuinely like her as a person then. Sadly, I still do. But I should have kept that relationship “non- friendly” at first. That way, when things started to go wrong, we could be firm and insisted on our rights as customers. Once the line is thin between customer and supplier, it becomes difficult to draw that distinction and work quality definitely will suffer. Friendship may also be lost in the process. 2. Insist on Black and white Because I treated her as a friend from the beginning, I did not keep the pricing we agreed in writing. When I first talked to her to install a door stopper, it was $10. Then when the relationship soured, it become $18. I know it is only $6.90 in Self Fix shops. So, you can imagine what the real price might be since we know that contractors can get stuff at contractor price. At least 300% mark up, believe me. 3. Don’t be happy too fast. See the work first. On paper, everything can look fantastic. Always ask the question, however stupid. Always check on their works, daily if possible. My contractor assumed we know a lot just because we know a bit more than the average joe out there. That is another mistake we encountered. Always tell your contractor – “I may look like I know a lot, but please take time to explain to me.” 4. COMMUNICATE - Plan more meetings than needed If we had not done this, matters would have been worse. If you ask me, what is the one thing we have done right, this is the one. We were able to salvage a lot more mistakes before matters went more southwards. 5. DO NOT TRUST EVERYTHING THEY SAY. I say this in a manner of respect. They are in a business so they need to make a profit. When you ask them to buy a door stopper, be prepared that they will make up 300%. We knew it yet we allowed it. Why? Because in life, we give and take. In exchange, you can ask them to drill this and that for you. Do not believe them when they say it can't be done. Find out more.... is it because they want more money...? To save costs, many times, they will tell you that they can't find your preferred materials. So do your own homework to avoid being cheated. Then, decide if you want to pay a little more to get what you want or you are ok to compromise and take what they give. 6. Take your own measurements. Ha ha ha …….. this is so basic you may think but trust me – they cannot measure even if their life depends on it. They always “agak-agak” here and there. 7. Commitment to deadline. Learnt from my pain, and insist that your contractor tell you in writing how long the project will take. If they refuse, don’t sign them on, no matter how cheap they are. Lastly, my general advise to all of you doing renovation now is a. Give allowance for mistakes – yours and theirs. b. Do all the research you can but know also that you have done your best because we all have limited knowledge. c. Do not be too hard on yourself – there is NO good contractor out there in Singapore. You will be conned, that is for sure, just try to minimize the level. Whatever they quote you, their profits is at roughly 50%. But don't bargain too hard; they will take it out on the quality provided. Buy the stuff you want yourself and get them to install for you. So, at the end of my renovation project, I can truly say is I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process – good and bad. There are tears of pain but I refused to let these bad people rob me from enjoying my new home. Yes, my designs are compromised somewhat because of the bad execution but I can say in all honesty, I designed them all by myself. You can’t find any items in any “home and décor” magazine. Life is a journey. You will meet many people. Some will help you. Some will spit on the road to make you fall down. But the decision is yours --- to be better or to be bitter? A list of excellent suppliers we should support…. 1. Lighting shops – Megaman, Lumerie/Eurostar, 2. Tile Retailers - Lian Seng Hin, Stiles. 3. Kitchen Carpentry – None. Mudian seems good on paper but I did not use them because they are really EXPENSIVE. 4. Window Dressing – H.M Deco because their after sales service is very good. 5. BEST Window film – Liang : hp-985345296. 6. Hardware shop – Shanghai Tong Lee opposite Concourse 7. Good Paint – Nippon, of course 8. Wallpaper – Brandon from Goodrich Wallpaper (hp- 82336835) 9. Affordable local furniture – Objet (look for Vanessa), Celini (look for Rose), Air (look for Roger) 10. Good investment furniture – Space (look for Aloysius) Lastly, a word of thanks ….......to all of you..... Thank you for giving me a chance to complete the whole session. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for giving me courage to face my failure. I WON’T MENTION NAMES HERE, BUT YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, Thank you ~~~ Many of you said that you are grateful for my sharing, but I am equally blessed by your presence here. This is by no means "THE END"........ I hope my thread will attract more people to step in after me and share with all of us name of excellent shops / salespersons so we may benefit from each other's mistakes / good fortune. I hope that suppliers who are honest and provides good service / products can continue to thrive in expensive Singapore because we support them. so, in the meantime.............hang loose and have fun because life is so so so so so ...good!

yes, dont worry -- 123abc is a straight talking happily married Mrs. If you people read my posting properly and carefully, you will know that I am no supporter of Cantona 7. In fact, I am warning him that if he wants to Play the Field after marriage, then so can his wife. Waterhole is an Aussie slang if you dont already know that, BunBun. And, I dont think you should insult ladies who speak up their mind by calling them tomboy or butch.

Dont worry!! We wont show this to Mrs Cantona 7. Nowadays, men and women are equal, right? We will just tell Mrs Cantona 7 to continue to have boyfriends (and girlfriends if she also prefers) -- If your Little Brother can visit many waterholes, so can her waterhole be visited by many Little Brothers. Life is fair, so play hard.

Hello all ~ This is an important clarification so I will post my reply online. The $300 - I mentioned earlier in the reno permit post is the average price for hacking a wall only. For requirements for PE (Professional Engineer) endorsement, I am not so sure for HDB. It is better that you personally call the HBD officer to check. Your ID may not know everything so to play safe, they simply ask you to do a PE endorsement. On the PE endorsement, so far, I have heard 2 variations of story --- I do not know which is true. Variation 1 : from HDB officers who inspected friends' HDB HDB does not need PE endorsement all the time; They will let you know if they can permit the hacking or not, based on the structural soundness or blueprint that they already have. You can not hack/demolish load bearing walls even if you have a crazy PE endorsement. My logic thinking is --- Since you are only allowed to hack/demolish non-load bearing reinforced concrete walls, their blueprint will tell them immediately which wall is non-load bearing or not. They do not need a PE to tell them that, right? If they are not so sure any more if that wall is load bearing wall or not (perhaps due to the age of the HDB), then they will need a PE endorsement, and at that time, you will have to get it for them. That means you only have to get PE endorsement if they ask you to. Variation 2 : from IDs Yes, you need to apply for a permit from HDB (free) which must be endorsed by a Qualified Person (QP) or Professional Engineer (PE) (must pay) for any HDB renovation. I know for sure that that is not true. Not all reno needs a permit from HDB. For example, if you want to construct a cement mortar base that does not exceed 50mm, inclusive of finishes, for your kitchen cabinet, you do not need a permit. So, do not believe everything your ID project co-ordinator tells you. Check it out yourself and save more money! Caution : When you buy your HDB flat, check for unauthorised works in the flat. When you purchased the flat, you agreed to the “willing buyer willing seller" (caveat emptor) clause. In other words, you agreed to buy the flat in the condition that it is in. When there are unauthorised works, you may ask the seller to remove or rectify them first. If Not, later, you are responsible to remove and / or rectify the unauthorised works when you sell the flat. You can not run after your seller for damages. Okay, folks, that is all. Have a good weekend.

Good Morning, Singapore ! Follow Up on the Roller Blinds I promised you a follow-up write up on my roller blinds installation. Here it is ~ The "measurer" came 5 mornings ago and took the measurements of all the windows that needed the roller blinds. (I have er...... 13 panels to install, 7 alone are in my MBR). Tip 1: - Accurate Measurement Close all the windows when the measurement is taken. That will be more accurate. And, sweetly ask him to take the measurements in your presence so that you may verify it against your own measurements. If you have a window ledge or bay window and you plan to place fixed cushion on it, factor that in for the height of the blinds. PS: Roller Blinds and bay windows match like Lamb and Mint sauce. If you want a more cozy look, choose Fabric or Silk Roller Blinds or the Panel Blinds. If you want to make the rooms "taller", use shutters blinds. I agreed that curtains and window ledges are like durian and blue cheese -- must be eaten SEPARATELY. Most windows have 2 panels with a divider in the middle that is about width 2.5 cm, that make allowances for 2 roller blinds to be placed, side by side. The question is : how wide is that divider in your window? You may have to get thiner roller blinds (read:the more expensive type) so that light penetration is minimized. Measure that divider and ask the shop to recommend more choices to you. Do not let his limited stock cramp your style. Tip 2: - Minimize Gaps in L Section The way to minimize the gap in between a L section is to reverse the roller blinds that are 90 degrees to each other --- think clockwise and anti-clockwise. But I did not do that because it is UGLY. I have chosen to have all the rolls in same direction so that it is more uniform. My reasoning is --- I only use the blinds in the morning so that the morning glare can be reduced and Mrs Piggy me can sleep a little more. Most of the times, I usually lift the blinds to see the views outside. So, please choose what is important to your lifestyle (read my previous post on FUNCTION) and make the calculated decision, best suited for your needs, okay? Tip 3: - To invest or not.... Silly me wanted no problem after installation so I bought a higher than necessary brand (Solaris - usually used in commercial buildings). I am told that the "WHITE color" blind materials for this brand does not discolor easily in the strong UV light and the pulley system inside is very very sturdy. I also plan to bring it along with me, when I move house again - that was why I invested in a better than average brand. But you dont have to get so high end type, JUST do not buy the cheapest one either. On average, Roller Blinds ranges in prices from S$800 to S$3,000 for a HDB 5 room's windows. I would say something around S$1,500 would be fair and reasonable and that should get you an average Japanese brand quality. Tip 4: - Love your Country ! There are 2 types of Roller Blinds's mechanism -- I bought the type that raises like a flag because that kind of mechanism can last you decades. Motorized is nice to have but not necessarily for daily home use. Remember --- simple things always last longer than fanciful ones. You can check out these shops in Tanjong Katong Complex -- Cheap and good is Jimmy & Average Joe is J&S. I bought mine from an IMM shop (no GST -- ) - H.M Deco. Call Peter : 98821497 Always pay for a good pulley system - Insist on "Made in Japan" or "Made in Germany/UK". Korean brands are coming up but I tried pulling Korean pulleys in these shops and I find that it is not as smooth as the Japanese pulleys when you pull UP. Letting down is the same but pulling up is a bit of struggle for the Koreans. Tip 5: - Blind materials There are many variations out there. Many colors to choose from, many degree of black out (Ranging from 50% to 100%), many texture (PVC, Silk, Fabric, Vinyl) and many patterns (plain to very arty-farty ones). When choosing the right type, remember the word, ACE. A - Affordability : Latest trendy materials are often more expensive. C - Coordination : Make sure it does not clash with the other styles in the room. E - Effectiveness : Does it effectively achieve your function/purpose/goal/look ? Okay, GOOD LUCK to all of you. Remember, Window Dressing is very important - it sets the mood for the room. --- let me hear all of you say it, loud and clear ------ Yes, "Stay Happy and Enjoy Life".

Hmmm....... a few of you also PM me on this too. So, I shall post the reply online for all to consider. I have found this link to be very useful. HOW TO APPLY FOR RENO PERMIT ? http://www.bca.gov.sg/housing/sp/renovatin..._EnageContr.htm Yes, I did not engage an ID to design my unit. I was thinking .....if I cant afford the real IDs, I might as well work directly with the suppliers, sharing with them my design ideas, my living style and my daily needs. If they have worked with good IDs before, they will know how to translate my ideas into tangible stuff, borrowing from their past experiences. More work on my part -- I need to be very patient and clear in conveying my ideas. But, if you want to "cheat" a little, you can employ a general contractor (but make sure he is RADAC- approved) for stuff like hacking your walls & he can apply the permit for you too. Reno permit is free, if I recalled correctly. Most Contractors are Ah-Bengs -- sorry, all contractor uncles --- so you must go down to their level. Keep your Ang-Mo English at home, okay ? REMEMBER : ID or no ID, in the eyes of law, you, the owner are responsible for the renovation. Any damages, people will come after you, not your ID, not your contractor. Hacking is EXPENSIVE. On average, hacking of a wall is about S$300. He might tell you that you need to pay another S$500 to take away the debris. That is BULLSHXT! Haulage and debris removal services are provided by Town Council and it costs only S$263.55. You MUST engage a HDB licenced contractor to do your work. If he cannot show you his licence, DO NOT HIRE HIM. Warning : You can only do noisy work between 8 am to 6 pm, and you must finish the hacking work within 3 days. Read the above link. There are a lot of useful information there. Okay, that is all.

Okay, first of all, a big thank-you to those who have asked questions. I have sent the replies to your private mailbox. I still need some time to compile the Part 6 : Carpentry Portion because it is the largest Reno work on my list. I have just completed the technical drawing stage with the ID. Please continue to have patience with me. In the meantime, let me share a bit on my WINDOW DRESSING experience. Part 7: Window Dressing - Curtains or Roller Blinds or just plain cloth? Although at this stage of your renovation, you may be tempted to rush into a fast and easy decision, simply to get the job done — don’t.
 Your choice of window dressing has a huge impact on the overall look and feel of a room. The right choice can enhance a design and add to the style of a space. The wrong choice can undo all your hard work.

 And it’s not just aesthetics that your choice of window dressing can affect. Security, ventilation, noise reduction and internal air temperature are all factors that will be affected when you decide how to dress your windows. So before you make any decisions, it’s important to be well informed.

 Factors to consider
 1. Purpose
 Consider what the actual purpose of the window dressing is to be. Is it to block out light? To provide privacy? To enhance a mood or feel of a space? Knowing what function you need the dressing to perform is essential to deciding which dressing to choose. A sheer curtain or organza will enhance the mood of a romantic-styled bedroom but it will hardly offer privacy, while timber shutters may provide ample privacy but will not enhance the look of a space filled with contemporary-style furniture.

 2. Style
 Ensure your choice is in keeping with the room’s style. Look at the coloring and design choices made in relation to the walls, flooring and furniture in the room and make your dressing choice accordingly. Decide on colors that will either contrast with or complement the color scheme, not clash with it.
 If your room already has dark wood timber flooring, a dark window dressing will make the room even smaller.
 3. Outdoor view
 Remember to consider the view from the outside when choosing your dressings. Although you may wish to use different styles of dressings in different rooms of the home, consider the impact this will have on the view from the outside. If your room faces only HDB flats, it is better to use completely block-out blinds.
But you can choose those black out blinds with nicer patterns and turn your window into a conversational piece. 4. Placement
 Look at where the windows are situated. If they face the street, privacy and security must be considered. If they face a garden or private area, privacy may not be so important. Look also at which direction the window faces and when the room is generally occupied. Is it a bedroom that gets lots of sun in the morning, or a living area with limited natural light in the afternoon? A clever choice in window dressings can counteract a room’s shortcomings or enhance its natural features.
Do not use curtains just because your ID asked you to !
Usually, if your room is sun-facing, a curtain means you have to have day and night tracks (extra costs) 5. Use
 Who is going to use these rooms and operate the window? Will it be adults (who are capable of dealing with small cords and ties) or children, who will need a simpler and safer alternative. Will there be grubby little hands marking your stunning white curtains? These factors need to be considered in order to avoid making an unrealistic choice or one that’s impossible to maintain. If you have pets, avoid tassel unless you do not mind them salivating all over them. 

 6. Cost
 The cost of window dressings varies enormously, so it’s essential to know all your options and shop around before making any final decision. And remember, the cheaper alternatives may not always work out cheaper in the long run. It’s better to spend a little extra on the product that’s right for you than to choose an inferior option that will hinder your enjoyment of the space. Alternatively, keep in mind that sometimes a simple — and cost-effective — solution is the best. It’s a good idea to be aware of prices but not dictated by them.

 I have been to shops in Toa Payoh, IMM, Tanjong Katong…. In my next part, I will let you know which ones are good. 7. Window dressing choices
 a. Timber Venetians
- Extremely popular with homeowners today, timber venetians are both practical and stylish. Offering great air and light flow, timber venetians help to regulate the temperature of a room as well as harness natural light. Generally made from western red cedar or Tasmanian oak, timber venetians can be oiled or lacquered and can be made to fit virtually any sized window. Disadvantage - Special treatments may need to be applied if they are to be used in a high-humidity area or region like Singapore! 
 b. Faux-timber or synthetic blinds are also available for a fraction of the cost of that of the real timber venetians. These can be used if your budget is tight or if high humidity is a problem. Disadvantage : Like timber Venetians, be prepared to dust, dust dust!

 c. Pleated blinds
- Pleated blinds are fabric blinds that are generally used in conjunction with curtains. These blinds are good for living areas such as lounge rooms or bedrooms, as the blinds can be custom made to suit the decor. The blinds are not as versatile as Venetians or shutters as they offer only two usage options: up or down. However, they do offer reasonable insulation and privacy. As long as the room is well ventilated and kept clean, these blinds are relatively easy to maintain but you must consider fading when choosing a fabric.

 d. Roller blinds
 The simple things in life are often the best, and nowhere is this clearer than with roller blinds. The design of the roller blind hasn’t really changed since its beginning — it’s still fabric wrapped around a roller — but new technology has resulted in a wider choice of fabrics and materials and increased sophistication of the roller mechanisms (which range from the standard roller to a mechanized, remote-controlled type). Roller blinds can be made to fit almost any size window and can be custom made in a fabric to suit virtually any decor. Roller blinds are also available in new UV-resistant materials. Roller blinds are relatively easy to maintain but offer little in the way of insulation.

 (And this is what I installed. I will let you know in 2 weeks’ time how the workmanship is). e. Vertical blinds
 Vertical blinds are suitable for both windows and sliding doors. They offer good light and airflow and are available in a variety of sizes. Vertical blinds provide privacy but limited insulation. As with fabric blinds, vertical blinds are available in a huge range of colors, patterns and textures. Disadvantage : Improved technology has brought vertical blinds a long way from the days where they became a tangled mess at the touch of a hand, though they do still tend to sway when opened or closed.

 f. Honeycomb blinds
 Honeycomb blinds are a modern variation on Venetian blinds. The double-cell — or honeycomb — effect offers superior insulation and can block out 99 per cent of the sun’s UV rays (depending on fabric choice). Honeycomb blinds are available in a huge range of colors and are considered an energy-efficient choice in window coverings as the insulating qualities can reduce heating and cooling costs.

 g. Curtains
 The variety of curtains available is really as wide as your imagination will allow. This is perhaps the most versatile option for window coverings as — depending on your chosen style or fabric — they can be custom made to suit any room. Fabric choice will also dictate the amount of insulation, privacy and airflow the curtain offers: a heavy drape will provide superior privacy and insulation, while a sheer fabric will allow airflow and natural light into a room. Consideration must be given to fading and curtains need regular maintenance to stay looking fresh. PS: Those allergic to dust, should avoid curtains. I am allergic to dusting aka housework. Hyak hyak hyak .... My tips/learning;- 1. Before choosing any window dressing, look at the style and shape of a particular window in the room, and consider all decorative options. Take into account the practical functions that dressings will serve, such as increasing privacy, keeping out the noise, or blocking light. 2. Window types and sizes vary considerably. Adapt your window dressings accordingly. Do not just use blinds just because you like them. Sometimes, a curtains can hide the shortcomings that you want to disguise better. I always take a picture of the window to show the supplier and hear their views. 3. Choose simple, inexpensive hanging systems whenever you can, especially if your window dressings are purely decorative. You may need to invest in more costly hanging systems if you decide to hang curtains made of heavyweight material for warmth, for example. For roller blinds, do not compromise and buy those cheapo ones from Korea, China or Malaysia… I chose to invest in a Japan-made type for less headaches in the future. 4. Calculate your budget. If you decide to try to follow a regional or period theme, research appropriate materials, designs, and colors in order to create a complete, authentic look. I rather you do not buy yet, than to compromise and buy something too cheap. Take your time and save the money. You will thank me for it in future. 5. Keeping Fabrics Plain: Use plain materials to make color scheming easier. Window dressings will thus play a complementary decorative role together with your sofa color or bedspread. 6. Making a Statement
 - Drawing attention if you want a window dressing to be a focal point, choose bold or contrasting colors and patterns to draw the eye. 7. Disguising window shape - Curtains hung outside a recess will disguise the shape of a window, especially if tied back from a closed position. Use a shaped valance to disguise the squareness of a window. 8. Emphasizing window shape Hang a blind inside a window recess to emphasize the shape of the window. A patterned blind will draw attention to clear lines and square angles, and help to make the window a features 9. Being precise -- Not all floors, windows, and ceilings are absolutely "square", so take at least three width and length measurements. 10. Allowing for pattern repeats; centralize large patterns for balance. That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post. In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~ End of Part 7

HELLO ! Sorry.... very busy at work. Need some more time to write the next part. In the meantime, I would like to dedicate tomorrow Friday, April 11, 08 from 12 am to 12 am for anyone to ask any Renovation-related questions. This will give me some time to write the next part, and for those who visit this site daily, some useful things to read in the meantime until my next posting. Ok, remember to hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~

My apologies ....... work commitments prevent me from posting earlier. We have discuss my experiences with lighting, painting and tiles. I thought I should back track a little and explain why I did not use an ID. Instead, I chose to plan and co ordinate the reno works myself. Part 4 : Can the real Interior Designers please stand up ? Over the last weekend, I went to the Expo Hall at Changi. It was a hot hot day! Singapore hot weather is back, huh? I always find that Singapore is one of the best country to stay in, except it is just too BLXXDY hot. When I was a child, I always day-dream that our government will build a dome-like covering over our tiny island. That can protect against foreign invasion; that can also protect against ozone cancerous stuff. Best of all, it can also be a huge solar-powered air-conditional dome ! Then, Singapore will be surely the perfect place to stay in ……….! Agree…..? {“Yeah, dream on, 123abc ~ you think building a dome over an island is so easy.... like 123 or abc …?! You stupid wooooman......”} Anyway, back to Saturday afternoon, I thought I should visit the Furniture Exhibition for some ideas and inspiration. I was truly inspired indeed! I was so glad that I made this trip. It was worth every drop of my sparkle from the heat. I was so inspired; you have no idea how grateful I was. It confirmed that I was right to chose NOT to work with these so-called IDs from the beginning. Like many of you, I wanted to try planning my own Interior Design because I wanted to enjoy building my own nest from scratch. I wanted to enjoy the process as well as the end-result. I wanted to be as involved as I can with every step of the way. But, throughout the process, it made me respect those genuine IDs even more, as interior designing is really no j.o.k.e. – worse for us since we are doing it at our spare time due to our day job. Many of those so-called interior designers out there do not have a clue of what interior design is all about! I mean, those so-called interior designers are just, at best, a very good copycats! They have thoroughly insulted the high profession of ID that I have grown to respect so much. I was browsing through one shop today and looking at their portfolio when I heard a sissy male voice behind - “Madam, you like it? We can do the same for your HDB too.” Then, he flashed his namecard to my face, Creative Director. WOW ~ Without even studying my floor layout, he knows he can “do the same” for my HDB too? What does he thinks he is? Creative Director cum Ghost Whisperer? And, since when does interior design equals creatively copying?! Hello, Creative Director, if you are reading this, please see my definition of a geniune interior designer. My definition of a true blue interior designer An Interior Designer must have an accounting mind, an engineer head, a creative artistic eye, a communicative heart and a pair of hands that can turn dreams into reality. The ability to satisfy the clients’ needs is as important as the designer’s creativity. So, in my opinion – a good designer must have 3 sets of core skills – creative technical drawing skills, interpersonal skills and management skills.  Technical know-how – to help design a place for you that cater to your unique needs and practical living. At the same time, it is beautiful to all the senses.  Interpersonal skills – To sit down and understand each individual member of the house. Yeah, including the kids. Their preferences, their day to day living style, their needs vs their wants etc etc  Project Management skills – to overseas the quality provided by the contractors and their workers, to manage the budget you gave, to manage the reno project within the timeline you gave. Technical Know How They must be well versed beyond knowing what colors are in now, what fabric is practical; they must know how to fit these stuff to you and your unique needs (I keep repeating “you” because every one of us are so unique. And that is why you are paying so much money to get a good interior designer to customize it for “you”.) A person who copies a certain look from a glossy magazine cover for you or who recycle his designs from house to house is NOT an interior designer, in my opinion. Although I am a believer in recycling your garbage, but I think only a lazy designer recycles! I believe, many of you can start a thread –> Singapore’s own “Believe it or Not! – Tales from the renovation nightmare”. And trust me, it will get responses faster than my thread. (PS: Thanks to those that wrote so sweetly. The Writer is very touched by your comments and sincerity. Not so easy to pen experiences into words, but I will try my best, ok?) My 2 contributions to the “Believe it or not..” section 1. One ID boss cum interior designer from XXX Designs that I called up over the phone was so funny – she kept asking me, how much I paid for my nest? I kept saying, “Does it matter? What does my purchase price got to do with interior designing budget that I have planned for?” Minutes later, I managed to probe the reason out of her. She said that she kind of priced the interior design cost as a percentage of the property. WHAT??? So, if my property is worth 10 million, I must pay 1 million for interior design, even though I am not hacking all the floors, even though the kitchen is already done up? Wow ~ Double Wow ~~ 2. Another ID boss from WhXXX is even more amusing – he kept asking me how big is your nest size. Finally, I said around 1500 square feet and he immediately said that the design cost is around 80K. So I said but I am not hacking the floor, I am not redoing the kitchen. I just want to do the typical condo package – lighting, tiles for balcony, some storages and painting. Nevertheless, he said that is the minimum amount I should be prepared to spend for a 1500 square feet nest. If not, go find those small shops in IMM to do it for me. He insisted that he is a space designer, not a materials supplier. That is true but should not all good space designers also listen to what the customer has to say -→ I repeat, “no-need-to-hack-the-new-marble-floor … floor …. floor ….. floor…….” Yeah, both of them own the ID firms very highly recommended in this forum. So, beware! Not everyone that is highly recommended by others is trustworthy and genuine IDs. Talk to them yourself. Assess them as if you are meeting them for the 1st time. Do not let any feedback, including mine, affect your own assessment. Interpersonal Skills It is good to get an interior designer that is highly recommended by friends and relatives, but what works well for them may not work at all for you. A talented interior designer is strange – yes…. I said STRANGE. But I meant it in an extremely flattering way. Think Philip Starck, Think Maarten Baas – these are highly creative, highly intelligent people, no doubt at all. But they are so strange with their own quirks and style of working. So, it is important that the designers you selected can “click” with you and communicate openly (and truly) with you. Find a designer you can click with, not just one that is highly recommended by any people. Project Management skills A genuine interior designer SAVES money for their clients. Yes, you heard me right. A genuine interior designer will know where to source the good materials at a fraction of the cost because of their industry standing in the ID circle. They will also have good budgeting skills and can overseas ordering and installation within the budget & timeline that you gave them. My learning and tip on ID selection -- Most so-called IDs out there are just Interior Design Project Managers. They have no formal education in Design Arts. They do not even draw; they recycle. They merely help you to co ordinate with the contractors and sub-contractors. At times, they could even be the cause of communication breakdown between what you want and what the contractors actually delivered. You can easily take their place if you have the energy, interests and time to spare. -- Good ID are professionally educated and they are trained to work with architects, engineers and contractors to understand fire codes, safety measures, besides knowing the ergonomics and aesthetic side of the equation. That is why they are not cheap to come by! -- Good ID designs, bad ones copy. Out of the 13 IDs out there that I have spoken to, only 1 truly can design. This is my own assessment; I would like to emphasis that no IDs was hurt during the assessment. -- If you enjoy the planning process like I do, and have some spare time, why not try to plan your own home yourself. Co-ordinate with the contractors yourself. A good ID is not cheap - Their cost is usually at least 30% of the whole works. You can save that money to buy some designer furniture. My design may not be 1st class but at least it is uniquely mine. You will not see another similar one in Home and Décor magazine. -- But before you jump right in, do your research well. Read the entire threads in this forum. That was what I did. That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post. My next post will be on Kitchen cum wardrobe specialist. I have spoken to Closet Design, Seng Kwong Furniture, Mudian, Classic Design (at Tanjong Katong Complex and AU Closet. You will be so surprised that how come the same set of carpentry works with same materials can cost between S$25K to S$62K. In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy your life ~~~ End of Part 4

After thoughts on Part 2: Paintworks Actually besides colored walls, you should also try to invest in wallpaper coverings. It will surely add a luxury feel to your home instantly. But, please use the following tip wisely – Big wall – simple design, preferably the design and background are of the same colour. Small wall – can take more complex design; even of different color Tip: Next time, when you go on holidays, pay attention to how hotels room are done up with wallpaper coverings. You can also buy unique wallpaper overseas or over the Internet but first, make sure your contractor knows how to install it properly. To save you the headache, I would advise you to simply go to Goodrich Global http://www.goodrichglobal.com/english.htm They have a wider range of selection to choose from very reasonable priced to obscenely opulent. Look for Jason. But their business is so good that you need to factor in the long waiting time. But they are very good at installing the wallpaper. They even treat the walls to smoothen it before applying the glue. I also recommend wall murals ( www.dnalife.com.sg ) and decals ( www.whatisblik.com ) but like what I said in Part 1:Lights --> Do not follow trends blindly. Make sure you will still like them after the fad for these temporary wall tattoo is over. Wall murals and decals are excellent for kids room because they are removable. Use your imagination because the sky is the limit, er…. almost…..subject to the thickness of your wallet. :blink: Part 3: Tile Retailers Today I would like to share some of my learning / tips on tile selection. I would say, the choices for tiles are so plentiful that it confuses me more than clarify. You can buy from the tiles shops recommended by your ID or contractor. They usually have a business (some times, personal) relationship with a few shops that they always patronize. They may get better rates or better services from these shops because of their long-standing relationship. No harm visiting them first and perhaps what you like is already there. But if you have the time and energy, I strongly advise you to shop around and source for the tiles you like best and bring the tile samples to your ID or contractor’s “friendly shops” – sometimes, they do carry these tiles too, sometimes they can “borrow” from their competitors and sell it to you at “contractor price”. By doing this, you still get tiles from your ID or contractor so next time, anything goes wrong, you can still approach your ID or contractor to rectify. Unlike lights, I recommend that for tiles, you try to get it from one source only. There are many tiles shops in Singapore, too many if you ask me. You can try walking down Balestier Road or Defu Lane in your comfortable shoes from dawn to dusk. But I would like to highlight a few good ones that I have visited ;- Hafary, Hup Kiong, Lian Seng Hin, Stiles (Changi Road). They have many imported tiles for your expensive taste buds. Most tiles these days come from China. Always ask the salesperson to explain to you the pros and cons of the tiles you like. Always tell them where you would like to install them. Of all the salepersons, I strongly recommend Eggie from Lian Seng Hin. He is very patient, very knowledge about tiles quality but best of all, he will help you to save money. The young lady salesperson from Hafary was the worst salesperson because she does not even know that there are full-bodied homogenous tiles! I ended up teaching her. Do not assume that all China tiles are bad and that all imported tiles are good. Know the different properties of the stone materials you like – marble is most classy but it can be porous, granite is very hardy & durable but they have limited color range, homogenous tiles are cheap and good but within the same box and patch, the color run may be so bad that you may end up with different shades of white homogenous tiles. Be mentally prepared. My learning and tip on tiles selection -- when you enter the shop, ask the salesperson to show you their “best sellers”. From there, you can get an understanding of what is in trend now. Why some people prefer these tiles. What are the price ranges like. -- Bring your floor plan. On the spot, they can do a cost estimate for you on the materials you like. That is very useful when you later approach your ID or Contractor’s “friendly shop” to get the tiles from them. It gives you a better edge at negotiating the prices that your ID or contractor may quote. -- Always chose rougher or slip-resistance type of tiles for wet areas like toilet and kitchen. Beauty is important but falling down and breaking your back is no laughing matter too. -- Do not put wall tiles on the floor. This may sounds like a stupid school experiment but Eggie said that some customers really insisted on doing so. Wall tiles are thinner tiles therefore they may not withstand the heavy usage on the floor. Install at your own risk. -- Larger tiles can be installed quicker than smaller tiles. Factor that in when you calculate labor cost. -- Ask whether trim pieces such as bull-nose tiles (tiles with one or two rounded edges rather than four 90-degree corners) and cove (curved) tiles are available in a tile you're considering. For installing tile on steps and in bathrooms and kitchens, these pieces can be critical to aesthetic success. -- Remember that high-sheen tiles will quickly show dull footprints from people and pets. -- Choose a large, light-colored tile if you want a room to seem larger. Choose smaller, darker tiles to make a space seem smaller and more intimate and cozy. -- Before actual lay, ask your ID or contractor for a Dry-lay (set on the surface without grout) party, Bring popcorn. That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post. In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~ !! End of Part 3.

Part 2 – Paint After you have ordered your lights, paint your house 1st. It is easier to paint the ceiling without the lights installed. Paint Selection After talking to dealers and surfing the Internet for hours, my conclusion is that there is little variation in interior paint quality between the brands, esp. for lighter colors. Those who advertise aggressively, they may charge a little more. So, you do your own maths. Then comes one million dollar question – Matt or Sheen finish ? I always like Matt because it is smooth, non reflective and not calling out for attention. Some people may like the Sheen look. So it is a personal choice. I always feel that the Sheen look has an “oily” texture to it, just like the T zone on a face. Of course, some paints are special – ICI Dulux Light and Space Range. Even the dealer-uncle said, “it ist leally blighter.” Yeah, but hey, 1 can of L&S cost $60 per 5L! For a size of 1500 square feet, you will need at least 7 cans of 5L to do a 2 coats on ceiling and walls. WOW – so “blight” that it burns a hole in my wallet ~ Waller Sealer or not? Ladies who wear make up will know the answer to this question. DIY or pay someone to do it for you? Well, if you have strong back, neck and arms, why not put it to good use? You can save up to $1000 if you DIY. But, please be kind to your body and spread the work over 5 to 7 days. You are not a Asking someone to do it, you have many options. a. Ask the paint shop (they have packages, labour + paints) b. Ask your contractor for a quote (ICI paint in Jotun containers?) c. Call one of those painters in the Classified page. You know, when I call those painters in the Ads, the conversation always goes like this. I think there is a booklet out there. I suspect, they are reading from the standard pattern. Painter : Hair-lo 123abc : Hello, Good Morning. 123abc : How much does it cost to paint an apartment, size around 1500 square feet? I provide the paint. Painter : HDB or Condo ? 123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo, are you going to charge me more? Painter : (….silence…) 123abc : Condo Painter : Where is Condo ? 123abc : Why ….? If it is Condo in District 9, are you going to charge me more ? Painter : (….silence…) 123abc : Newton Circle. Painter : Ahhhhh…. Newton… can ….can …S$1,300/= 2 men. One day, can finish. 123abc : I think, I have uncovered their secret code. I think, the basic price is only $500 for a 1500 sqf size. Then, they “mark up”, depending on situation. MARK UP CHART ~ Add $1000 for Condo in Sentosa. ~ Add $800 for Condo in District 9, 10 & 11. ~ Add $500 for Condo in other Districts. I also think I have discovered their secret conversational pattern. Even the “silence” you see up in the above conversation is also well-planned. And these painters have been well-trained. They have an answer for every question you may ask. Don’t believe me ….? STANDARD Q&A Your question : Why you charge $1,500 for condo in Sentosa ? Standard answer : Sentosa very far, must take cable car. Your question : Why you charge $1300 for condo in Orchard ? Standard answer : Orchard very expensive, workers must eat in restaurant. No hawker center, you know. Your question : Why you charge more for condo ? Standard answer : Condo ceiling very tall. Singapore men very short. So, must get foreign talents to come and paint for you. (Don’t be fooled by them. Foreign Talents = Bangladesh workers, ok !) So now that I have broken their code and crushed their secrets, you can bargain very well with them now. Good Luck - My tips and learning on Painting -- There will always be touch-up. Do not be naïve. Your electricians are also human. Although did you notice that many of them like to say – “AND, LET THERE BE LIGHT” when you switch on for the 1st time.. -- If you DIY, after touch-up, donate your brushes and tray. Cross your heart and ask yourself honestly, will you paint again? Now, honestly answer that question ! No, right? So save yourself that storage and help another couple save some money. -- Wait for the walls to be completely dry before applying another coat of paint. -- Start from top – ceiling first then walls. Always use masking tape unless you are a natural born If you are that good, do not just paint your ceiling, draw on them like Michelangelo ! Please leave your contacts if you are one Michelangelo. -- Remember, painting work is typically done only once. If done well, you do not have to worry about it for a long long time. That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post. In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~ End of Part 2.

Hello everyone Like everyone here...... I L.O.V.E to have a beautiful home. But beautiful things in Singapore are really costly esp. Renovation stuff. So I try to save money to get the best stuff at affordable prices. I mean .... I really do not mind retailers earning a profit but I think it is **** wrong if they are earning too much from us consumers. I will be documenting my research here of all the retailers I visited for quotations. Feel free to check them out yourself. But do pardon me that I will not comment on any of your comments/feedbacks -- good or bad. These research are my own personal opinions. You may like them or dislike them. I am not here to debate with you. They are for your reference only. I just want to share all my hard work with you so that for those of you who are really busy to run around, you can use my notes as reference. But I am still human afterall -- so, whether you are .......or have a bad feedback or you feel the urge to scold me or you want to me ..... please take a deep breath first ... and just laugh it off, ok? CAUTION - Writer is a very sensitive creature. Writing may ceased with too many bad reviews or scoldings. Writing will flow more with more encouragement and love Part 1 - Lighting I lost count but I think I have visited almost 30 shops on lights alone. Yeah ..... I am a crazy shopper. Of which, let me highlight the really good ones - Megaman, 168 Trading, LightsCraft and Lumerie. I love lights that are simple, timeless, modern and energy-saving. The above shops have it all. When I shop, I look for practicality (does it serve my needs?), function (does it save energy and money in the long run?) and value (is it worth spending the penny?) I do not advise that you buy lights from just one place. Come on, do not be lazy This is going to your nest for many years to come. Invest the time -- treat it as a weekend outing. Take your time and find the stuff you like -- do not compromise. Okie, my review on the above 4 shops -- Megaman's sales person is not as customer orientated as Lumerie. They have solid products but they need to build more sales knowledge in their staff. In fact, I was served by the accounts person when I shopped at Megaman - Kitchener Branch! She is Lynette and she is very knowledgeable about lights. Lumerie lights are EXPEN$IVE but they have lots of pretty timeless stuff. If money is no object, Lumerie is a good place to shop for unique lights. Look for Steven. 168 Trading and LightsCraft are local "chee- na" shops. They are economical for simple stuff like downlights & T5. My learning and tips on lighting -- go for simplicity that will not go out of fashion. For example - it is no longer in trend to have hanging pendant lighting over the dining table. Now, the trend is to have a floor lamp that arches over the dinning table. So, do not follow trend blindly. Ask yourself -- if this goes out of trend, will I still like it ? If the answer is YES, then buy it. And enjoy it for as long as you like it. -- lights are forever..... well almost. So, do not try to save too much money here. You can save money by going to "chee- na shops" like 168 Trading and LightsCraft for simple general task lights like downlights & T5. But do invest the money and get 1 or 2 nice lighting pieces from expensive shops like Lumerie or Space Furniture and they will be a conservational piece in your lovely nest. -- go for energy savings ! Do your part for the earth. -- in bathrooms, it is quite important to provide adequate light around the vanity and mirror. A light above the mirror to illuminate downward is recommended. Also lights on both sides of the mirror are recommended to reduce shadows on the face. -- there are three basic types of lighting that work together to light your home: General, Task and Accent. A good lighting plan combines all three types to light an area, according to function and style. That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post. In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~ End of Part 1.